Design Review Committee (In-Person) (Nov 20, 2025)

Meeting Overview The City of Asheville Design Review Committee held an in-person meeting on November 20, 2025. The agenda included the approval of previous minutes, a recusal motion, and reviews of two new projects: a formal design review for an outdoor music venue at 155 Thompson Street and an advisory review for gateway signage on Wall Street.

Key Decisions The committee voted to approve the minutes from the September 18, 2025, meeting, with a recorded vote of 7-0. The committee also passed a motion for Robin Raines to recuse herself from both upcoming items, with a recorded vote of 7-0. Regarding the new business items, the committee approved the formal design review for the 16 Pearl Street Mountain Housing Opportunity Offices project with a recorded vote of 6-0. For the 155 Thompson Street project, the committee approved the temporary buildings for the venue with the condition that the applicant provide permanent plans including landscaping, lighting, and site access. The committee also approved the Wall Street Gateway Signage with non-binding recommendations to make the design less like a typical street sign and to explore an arbor approach for the pedestrian entrance.

Discussion Highlights During the review of the 155 Thompson Street project, staff supported the proposal, noting its potential to revitalize the area while acknowledging flood constraints. Staff did not provide a formal traffic impact analysis, as that analysis is pending. Committee members discussed design refinements, expressing concern that the proposed signage resembled a typical street sign and lacked visual appeal. Members suggested incorporating more artistic elements, particularly emphasizing the Ginkgo tree design, and discussed enhancing the entry point to Wall Street with an arbor-like structure. The committee also addressed the need for improved lighting and activation of Wall Street, particularly in response to the street's current state following the pandemic.

Community Input Public commenters largely supported the 155 Thompson Street project, emphasizing its potential to revitalize Wall Street and create a vibrant entertainment destination. Some commenters raised concerns about the street sign's appearance and the need for improved lighting and activation.

Follow-ups The applicant for the 155 Thompson Street venue is required to submit permanent plans with details on landscaping, lighting, and site access. The design team for the Wall Street Gateway Signage is expected to consider incorporating the Ginkgo design, investigate an arbor approach for the pedestrian entrance, and review lighting options.

Impact These decisions affect the development of the Riverfront Design Review Area. The approval of the temporary structures for the 155 Thompson Street venue allows for the revitalization of a flood-prone site, with the requirement for permanent plans ensuring long-term site management. The recommendations for the Wall Street Gateway Signage aim to improve the visual appeal and vibrancy of the pedestrian entrance from Battery Park.